Type-writing machine.



B. C. STIGKNEY.

TYPE WRITING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED 11111317, 1902.

Patented Apr. 18,1911.

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2 v r as WITNESSES 26 e Q/z/ Q I I v IN VENT 0R I I U D iSTATES PATENToFnion I vented certain new and useful Improvei IBURNHAM o. srrox v'nv, or

TYPE-WRITING MACHINE. I

ELIZABETH, NE JERSEY, nssreivon TO Unnnnwoon TYPEWRITER COMPANY; or NEW YQRK, N. Y., .A CORPORATION on Specification of Letters Patent. I Patented Apr. 18,

I Application filed June 17, 1902. Serial No. 112,031.

To all whom it may concern I 'Be itknown that I, BURNHAM C. STICK- nY, .a citizen of the- United States, 'and resident of the city of'Elizabeth, county'of Union, and State of New'Jersey, have inments in vType-WVriting Machines, of which the followingis a specification.

chines, especially those of the front strike variety; and its object is to improvelthe touch of the keys, and also to enable a wide [adjustment of thetouch, thereby adapting 'the machine for all operators.

My invention consists in certain combinations of devices, features 'of construction, 1 y and arrangements of parts, all as will be hereinafter fully pointed out in. the concluding claims. I

In the -accompanying drawings,Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional elevation of a front strike writing machine embodying my improvements, the devices being set to secure a stiff or resisting key touch, and one type bar and its connections being shown in printing position. Fig. 2 is a skeleton view similar to I Fig. 1, but showing the machine adjusted for a very soft touch; one type bar and key lever being shown in rinting position, and one key lever being'sii tion.

, larly the keyv lever spring-fulcrumsand the .bar hubs.-

adjustable frame or supportwhereon they are secured. Fig.4 shows a curved fulcrum spring set for a stiff ke touch. Fig. 5 shows the same set for a yielding key touch.

In the several views portions are omitted orbroken away for the sake of clearness,

and similar arts are designated by similar characters 0 reference. I

The framework of the machine includes a base 1 and a topplate 2,the latter supported .upon columns 3. Over the top late runs a carriage (not shown) having a-p aten' 4. Rearwardly striking type bars 5 are piv oted at their rearends upon a curved fullong arms 11 of a system of bell cranks A,

This invention relates to writing ma.--

. key levers extend back, 1 and explained, and particularly own in normal posi-f I Fig. 3 is a partial plan of the rear portion of the machine, showing particu-.

fulcrum at a thelatter extending'across the base of the machine and being mounted upon a common fulcrum" rod 12, which is supported in cars 13 at opposite sides of the base. Horizo'ntal key levers 1 1 of the second order, provided with keys 15, are pivoted beneath the'type bars directlyupon short forwardly extend ingarms 1 6 of said 'bell cranks, the key levers preferably overlying the fulcrun'irod 12 as illustrated,to se'curecompactness. The

at their rear ends bear-up againsto'v'er lying flat springs 17, wh'iclrarefree'at their front ends, and preferably consist of'forwardly projecting horizontal fingers {rm-med upon a plate 18, which is secured by screws 19 upon a transverse bar '20.

The movements of the paper carriage'ma-y be controlled by a universal bar 21 operated by the bell crank arms 11, a portion ofthe connection from the universal bar tothe usual spacing mechanism being indicated at 22.

In operation, uponthe depression of a key .and lever, the short arm 16 of the bell crank is carried down, and the upright arm" 11 thereof vibrated forwardly, and through the thrust link 10 the type bar is caused toswing to the platen." Upon relief of the key from pressure, the parts are returned to normal position by the assistance '..o'f a suitable spring, as at Fig. 2, where a draw spring 23 is illustrated as connected to the bell crank arm 11. I I

At Fig. 1 the rear tip of the depressedk'ey lever is shown bearing up against its spring point near the rear end or root thereof, the spring not being appreciably from the keyboard flexed," although it willbe understood that if the key is given a hard blow, the spring will yield slight-1y, thereby cushioning the key touch to-sonie extent. At this figure the spring fulcrum is straight and horizontal,

and coincides throughout with the top'edge of the key lever, so that the working bearing of the latter is entirely at its tip.

To enable a variation tobe produced'in, the touch, the spring-supporting bar 20 is provided at its ends with forwardly extendpivoted at 25 upon 1' mg arms 24, which are opposite lugs 26 provided upon the base, thus forming a hinged bail, the axis of the hinge" in this instance coinciding with the tips of the spring fulcrums, as at Figs. 1, 2 and 3. By tipping up the bar 20, which movement may be effected by a thumb-screw 27 threaded into the base and having a suitable engagement at its up or end with a slotted our 28 formed up n the bar, the spring fulcrums are raised ,oil from the tips of the key levers, and contact therewith only at the forward ends of th springs, as will be understood by reference to Fig. 2, so that atleast the first part of the Work of eachf'q key lever during a'prin ting stroke is aef complished while bearing upon the forwar point or portion of the spring; whereby the touch of the key is rendered softer, not only by reason of the increased leverage afforded, but also because the spring at this point is more yielding; so that at its initial portion the key stroke is very softy 'lhe keylever as it moves down contacts with. the fulcrum spring at points more and more remote from its load point, thereby automatically decreasing the leverage of the key upon the type, and simultaneously bringing into use stii er portions of the spring, whereby the resistance of the key to the touch is increased,

thus eushionin the hand-stroke of the oporator, and also accelerating the speed of the type bar as it nears the platen.

If desired, the fulcrum springs may have a slight upward curve at their forward ends, as at B, Fig. 4, and the bail arms 2% may be shortened, bringing the hinge axis back, as at C, so that-the springs may be tipped upon said axis, as at Fig. 5, While in contact with theikey levers 14L and without creating undue disturbance thereof; and by this means the rolling movement of the key lever may be more fully developed, as will be understood from Fig. 5.

By making the spring fingers of proper stiffness, and so proportioning the parts that the dip of the key may be rendered shallow,

the key-touch may be rendered much stiffer than is usually practicable; and may also, at the pleasure of the operator, be rendered softer than is usually practicable, as well as deeper; or the touch and dip may be adjusted to some intermediate point.

It will be observed that each of the key levers is provided with a straight tread portion at its rear end, each of the fulcrums 17 or B being elongated so as to permit considerable rolling movement of the lever -therealong; that the yielding construction of the fulcrum enables it to flex during the actuation of the type by the key lever; that the purchase of the lever upon the. yielding fulcrum automatically diminishes as the treadrolls along the fulcrum; that the por tion B of the fulcrum is convexly curved; that the springs in theirnormal or untensioned condition are stiff, so as to offer suf ficient opposition to the thrust of the key levers; and that during the printing strokes the itey levers roll toward the fixed ends of the springs.-

'lerer thrust is the same at all adjustments,

it will also be seen that an adjustable dc- \ice is common to all of the keys for regulating the yielding action of the sp ing fulcrun s, and also adjusting the leverage of the keys upon the types and thereby \arying the normal. dip of the keyspthat owing to the flcXurc of the springs 17, the keys have an extra yielding action when given sharp blows, this yielding action being regulated by the screw .27 that while the terminal resistance of the springs 17 to the key still the initial. resistance thereof may be greatly varied, thus securing a great range of variation in the quality of the touch-of the keys, especially since it is also possible to vary the dip of the keys and their purchase upon the type bars; that the spring lingers are adjusted simultaneously about a point or axis (as 25 or C) substantially coincident with one of the points of contact between the levers and the spirng fingers whcrcon the lovers roll; and that the bar 20 may be swung upwardly on its hinge while the springs remain in contact with the key levers.

Variations may be resorted to in the construction and arrangement of the lovers and the yielding fulcrums, and in other particulars,,within the scope of my improvements; and portions of my improvements may be used without others hat I claim as-new, and desire to secure.

nation with a series of type bars of a series of lovers connected thereto, each of said levers being provided with a tread, and an elongated fulcrum for each lever; one of said trcad and fulcrum elements having a yielding construction such that it may flex during the actuation of the type bar by the lever, and the relation between the lever and the fulcrum being such that during the printing stroke of the type bar the purchase of the lever thereon automatically diminishes as the tread rolls along the fulcrum.

3. in a typcwriting machine, the combination with a series of type bars of a series of lovers connected thereto, each of said levers being provided with a tread, and a elongated fulcrum for each iex er; one of said tread and fulcrum elements having a yielding construction such. that it may flex during the actuation of the type bar by the lever, and one of said tread and fulcrum elein'ents being convexly curvedso that the lever may roll along the fulcrum. i

4. In a typewriting machine, the combina- ,tion with a series of type bars and aseries of levers connected thereto, of a yielding fulcrum whelreon each of said levers roll.

5. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a series of type bars and a series of levers connected thereto, of a series of fulcrums whereon said leversroll, each fulcrum consisting of a. spring fixed at one end and extending along the associated levers so that its free end may normally engage the lever.

G. In a typewriting machine, the combina- I levers, a series of connections between the, 3 type bars andlevers; and a series of stiff springs Wheieon said levers roll, said springs extending along said levers and each being fixed at one ,end, and said levers during the printing strokes rolling upon said springs toward said fixed ends/ 8. In a typcwriting machine, the combination of a seriesof types; a series of keys;

means for enabling the keys to operate the types; said operating means con'iprismg device ilSSOCliLtQCI" with each key whereby the leverage of the keys upon the types-is automatically diminished during the printing strokes, and a part-of said operating means having a yielding construction, and an adjustable device common to all of the keys for regulatingthe yielding action of said part;

9. In a typewriting machine, the comhination of a series of types; a'serles of keys;

' means for enabling each key to operate a type; said operating means comprising a de- "vice whereby the leverage of the key upon the type is automatically diminished during the printing stroke, and a part of said operating means having a yielding construction; and an adjustable device common to all of the keys for regulating the yielding action of'said part. and also adjusting the leverage of t-he'keys upon the types.

10. In a typewriting.machine, the conibination of a series of types; a series of keys; means for enabling each key to operate 3 a type; said .ope1.'ating means comprising a device whereby the leve age of the key upon the type is automatically diminished durmg the printing stroke, and a part of said opcrating" means'l'iaving a yielding construc tion; and an adjustable device common to all of thetkeys for increasing the resistance of said yielding parts to the key touch and for enabling the keys to have an extra yield- I ing action, and means common to the keys for regulatmg said yielding action'and also .for varying the leverage of the keys upon the type bars.

12. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a series of type bars and a series of keys, of a series of levers between the keys and the type bars; a series of fulcrums for said levers, one of said fulcrum and lever elements having a yielding con.- struction; and means for effecting such a change in the relative positions of said levers and said fulorumsgas to varythe purchase of the lex'ersupon the fulcrums.v

13. In a typewriting machine, the combination withia series of type'bars of a series of keys, a series of levers between thekeys and the type bars,

a series of yielding ful crumswhereon saidlevers roll, and means for adjusting said fulcrums. r

14. In a typewriting machine, thecombination with a series of type bars of a series of keys, a series of levers between the typebars and the keys, a: series of yielding fulcrums whereon the levers roll, and a support whereon said fulcrulns are carried; said supportbeing adjustable so as to vary the relation between said fulcrums and said levers.

'15. In a typewriting machine, the'combination with a series of type bars of a series of keys, a series of levers between the ke ''s and type bars, a series of spring fingers whereon the levers roll, and a movable sup/ port for said spring fingers. V

16. In a typewriting machine, the com "bination with a. series of type bars of a series of lovers connected thereto, each of said levers being provided with a tread, and an elongated fulcrum for each lever; one of said tread and fulcrum elements having a yielding construction such that it may flex during the actuation of the type bar by'the lever; and means for' adjusting the fulcrum "so, as to vary the key touch.

17. In a typewriting machine; the combmation w1th.,a series of typebars of a series of. levers connected thereto, each of-said levers being provided with a tread; an 'elon Y gated fulcrum for each lever; one of said tread and fulcrum elements having a yielding construction such that it may flex 'duringthe actuation of the type bar by the le- "ver, and the relation ,of the lever to the fulcrum being such that during the"printing stroke thepurchase of the lever upon the type bar automatically diminishes as the tread rolls along the fulcrum; a support whereon said fulcrums are carried; and means for adjusting said support so as to vary the purchase of said levers upon the type bars and also vary the resistance otl'ered by the yielding members to the key touch.

18. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a series of type bars of a series of lovers connected thereto, each of said levers being providedwith a tread; an elongated fulcrum for each lever; one of said tread and fulcrum elements having a yielding construction such that it may flex durthe actuation of the type bar by the lever, and one of said tread and fulcrum elements being convexly curved, so that the lever may roll along the fulcrum and means for tipping said fulcrnms.

19. in a typewriting machine, the combi nation with a series of type bars and a series of key levers connected thereto, of a set of yieldingfulcrums whereon said levers roll, and minus for adjusting said fulcrums so as to vary the action of the levers.

20. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a. series of type bars and a series of key levers connected thereto, ot' a fulcrum whereon each of said levers rolls, said fulcrum consisting of a spring fixed at one end and extending along its lever so that its free end may normally engage the lover, a support whereon said fulcrums are mounted, and means for adjustin said support so as to vary the action of the levers,

21. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a series of type bars, a series of levers connected thereto, a fulcrum member comprising a series of curved spring lingers whereon said levers roll, a pivot or hinge for saidfnlcrum member, and means, in-

cluding a screw, for turning said fulcrum upon its hinge. In a typewriting machine, the combination with a series of type. bars, ola series of levers; a series of springswhereon said levers roll; said springs extending along said levers and each being fixed at one end, and said levers during the printing strokes rolling; upon said springs toward said fixed ends; and a support whereon said springs are mounted; said support being adjustable for varying the purchase of the levers upon the type bars and altering the initial resistance of the springs to the lever action.

In a typcwritingr machine, the co1nbination with a series of type bars of a series of keys, a series of lovers between the keys. and type bars a series of spring fingers whereon the levers rollnand means for adjusting all of said spring fingers simultaneously about a, point or axis substantially coincident with one of the points of contact of the levers with the spring fingers.

24. In a typewriting machine, the combination of a series of type bars, a series of key levers of the second order connected thereto, a. series oi. springs whereon the rear ends of said levers roll, a transverse bar to which said springs are connected at their rear ends, and arms extending from the ends of said bar and hinged'upon the framework.

while the levers remain in contact with the spring fingers.

9G. ln a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly strik ingtype bars; a series of hell cranks connected thereto; a series of levers provided with keys and pivoted upon said bell cranks, so as to be. wholly supported thereby means independent of said key levers for supporting said bell-cranks upon the framing ol? the machine; and individual yielding hearings against which the rear ends of .said, key levers bear, the pivotal connection of the key levers to said arms serving to prevent longitudinal displacement of the levers in both for *ard and backward directions.

27. In a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly strik ing type bars; a series of hell cauks connectcd thereto, fixed lulcrums For said bell cranks; a seriesot levers provided with keys. and pivoted upon said bell cranks; and independent fulcrums whereon said hey levers roll.

28. In a front strike writing machine, the

combination of a series of rearwardly striknectcd thereto and provided with tulcrums;

a. series of levers provided with keys and pivoted upon said bell cranks: and independently yielding fnlcrums along which said key levers roll.

29. In a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type bars; a series of hell cranks connected thereto and provided with fulcrmns; a. series of levers provided with keys and pivoted upon said bell cranks: yieldingbcarings tor the rear ends of said key levers; and means common to said bearings for cilecting adjustment thereofi.

30. Tn a front strike writing machine, the combination of a series of rearwardly striking type bars; a'series of bell cranks connected thereto and provided with fulcrnms; a series of levers provided with keys and pivoted upon said bell cranks independently yielding fulcrums along which said key levers roll; and means for adjusting said fulcrums.

in a front strike writing machine, the. combination of a series of rearwardly striking type bars; a series of h ll cranks lnwingr pivotal connection of the key levers to said' I vers, of a bail comprising arms and an incrnm for said key levers, the pivotal'eonk nection of the key leversito saidarnisserving to prevent longitudinal displaccment'of the levers in both forward and backward directions.

In a front strike writing machine. the combination of a series of rearwardly strik-e ing typejbars; a. series of hell cranks having upwardly extending arms which are connected to the type bars, and also having forwardly extending arms; key. levers extending'rearwardly beneath the type bars'and pivoted upon said bell cranks so as to be wholly supported thereby; and a transverse fulcrum rod for said bell cranks; said fulcrum rod underlying-said key levers, the

arms serving to prevent. longitudinal dis placement of the levers in both forward and backward directions.

In a typewriting machine, the combination of a series of type-bars; a series of keys, means for enabling each key to operate a type bar. aipart of said operating means beingyielding, and means for varyingthe initial resistance of. said yielding part to the action of the key: the final resistance of said yielding part being the same at all adjustments. y V 1 34.In'ajtypewriting machine, the combination of a series oitype bars, aiseries of keys, means for enabling each. key to operate a'type bar, a partvof said operating means being yielding, and mCHUS'fOP varying the leverage of the key upon the type bar and for varying the; initial resistance of said yielding part to the action of the key; the

final resistance of said yielding part being the same at: all'adjnstmcnts'of dip and resistance.

35. In a type writing machine, the combination with key levers, of fnlcrums flexible moreat some points than at others, and typebars connected to the key-levers, the latter;

bearing against. the mostflexible portions of the levers at the beginning of the typebarstrokes, and against the least flexible portions' of the fnlcrmns at the terminal portions of the printing strokes of the typebars.

.36." In a typewriting machine, the combination with type-operating levers. of tulcrn'ms for said levers which flex at the printing strokes so as to form curved treads along which the levers roll. i i I V :37. In a typewriting machine, the combination with key lovers, of fulcrnms flexible: more at some points than at others.'and

- extending arms, said key-levers loosely bearba ['8 of a series of keys, of means for simultype-bars connectedlto the key-levers, the

latter. bearing against the most flexible por-- tions ofu-the levers at the beginning of the type-bar "strokes, "and againstthe least flexi-- 'ble portion's of the fulerums at the terminal I.

portions of't-he printing strokes of thetype I bars, and means forv adjnstingQall the levers.

l ousl to alter theinitialpoint of of e fnlcrnms the Iec'im 1 1 38;- In a typewritmgmachine, the coinbi- 7 5 nation with a series of type-operating levers, of fnlcrums along which the levers roll, said fnlcrums being sntliciently yielding sothat the levers form curved surfaces along which they roll during the type-strokes.

In a typewriting machine, the combination with a series of type-bars and a-series of keys, of intervening levers, and yielding fulcrnms cnrvable by the action of the levers thereon, and means for tiltingthe fulcrums 5 to different angles so as to vary the resi'stance at the keys.

4-0. In a ty 'iewriting machine, the combination with a system of type-operating le- "4i. In'a. frontstrike w'ritilig machine, the

combination with a system 'of type-bars, of

kcy-levers otthe second'order extending hackfrom the keyboard beneath-the typetending short. arms to which said k eylevcrs are directly pivoted. and upstanding long arms. and links extcnding forwardly from said upstanding arms and connected to the bars. elbow-levers comprising forwardly ex- 1 type-bars below their pivots. said key-levers provided with adjustable yielding f'nlernms, and a universal bar operated by said upstanding arms so as not to .be affected by variations in the key lover strokes.

4-2. In a twin-writing machine, the combination with tyne-bars and keys, 'of'deviees including a series of resistance-springs, and adinstahlc means for calling into action at wi i either little-resisting or greatly resisting portions of said springs, to vary the touch of the keys.

43. In a typcwriting machine, the'combi v nation with a: system of'front strike type bars. of links extending rcarwardly from said type bars. hell crankshaving upstanding arms to which said links are pivoted at their rear ends and also having forwardly cxtcndlng arms, key-levers pivoted directly npon the'forward ends of said forwardly ing' npon supports or fulcrums, and a uni ve'rsal bar operated by said bell eranks.

44'; The combination with a seJ ics f-typetaneously decreasing the leverage of the key on the type during the rint ing stroke and enabling the key to yiel in advance of the movement of the e bar.

on the type during the printing st 'oke and enablingthe'ky to yield in advance otfithe hibvemenh of the type her, and means for regulating the extent of the yielding action .10 Q of the key.

45. The combination with a series oftype bars of a. series of keys, of means for simulta-neously decreasingthe leverage of the key Y BURNHAM e. STICKNEY. VVitnesesf n WM. H. DE LACY,

4 G29. 'M.'COPENHAVER. 

